Asian Squash Championships: Hong Kong’s Simmi Chan seals title in 5 game thriller; Malaysia’s Ng defends men’s crown
- Chan becomes third women from city to claim title after Annie Au Wing-chi in 2013 and Tong Tsz-wing in 2021
- Top seed Ng Eain Yow has easier route to victory, beating India’s Velavan Senthilkumar 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 in 34 minutes
Simmi Chan Sin-yuk became the third women from Hong Kong to claim an Asian Championship title after a thrilling five-game victory over Sivasangari Subramaniam of Malaysia in the final on Saturday.
In front of a strong home crowd, the 20-year-old collected her most impressive victory date, winning 11-6, 9-11, 14-12, 3-11, 11-1 in 40 minutes.
In the men’s final, Malaysia’s Ng Eain Yow successfully defended his crown, beating India’s Velavan Senthilkumar 11-4, 11-5, 11-6 in 34 minutes.
Chan and Subramaniam were facing each other for the third time in a matter of months, with Chan having won their NCAA Championship clash in March before losing to the Malaysian in the first round of the British Open weeks later.
The Hongkonger though claimed victory in the most important of their encounters, adding to the success enjoyed by compatriots Annie Au Wing-chi in 2013 and Tong Tsz-wing in 2021.
“I haven’t thought of winning the title at which age but I am happy with my progress so far, especially with the looming of the Hangzhou Asian Games this summer,” the Columbia University student said.
